Xtra Time Web Desk: In what comes as a sad news for Indian football fraternity, legendary footballer Mohammed Habib passed away in his residence on Tuesday evening at 5pm. He was aged 74 years and was suffering from age related illness.
Born in Hyderabad, Habib’s football skills brought him to Kolkata when he was only 20 years old.
His displays for East Bengal, Mohun Bagan and Mohammedan Sporting, caught the eye of the experts. With his brother Akbar he formed a deadly combination.
In 1968 he joined Mohun Bagan and played and won the 1969 IFA Shield with a 3–1 victory against East Bengal in the final. He was part of the Mohun Bagan side that played against Pele’s New York Cosmos club in 1977. He is still remembered for marking legendary Pele. He also scored in the match which ended 2-2 at the Eden Gardens.
Habib could make the ball dance at his feet. He could control the midfield or push his teammates through with precise passes and when an opening came up he could also charge forward to score. He was the kind of player every coach would love to have on his side. He was part of the bronze medal winning side of 1970 Asian Games in Bangkok.
As manager, he guided Mohammedan Sporting in domestic competitions from 1999 to 2000, 2000–2003 and 2005. He also managed Bengal Mumbai FC in the Mumbai Football League from 2007 to 2008. He also became coach of the Tata Football Academy.
Habib is considered as the ‘First Professional Football player’ in India. He is also considered by many Indians as one of the best Midfielders the country has ever produced.
He was suffering from dreaded Alzheimer’s disease and often lost memory. His funeral will take place on Tuesday. The passing away of Habib is a sad day for Indian football.